You will need to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, changing to a new set every 1 to 2 weeks, as instructed by your doctor. Each set of aligners will gradually move your teeth into the desired position, according to your treatment plan, until you reach your new, beautiful smile. Simple cases of Invisalign treatment can last as little as six months, while most cases range from 12 to 18 months. You should limit the time that the aligners are not in your mouth to no more than 2 hours per day.
This means that you should wear your aligners for about 22 hours every day. Invisalign patients typically use Vivera retainers, which are durable thermoplastic devices that look like the invisible aligners used during orthodontic correction. These retainers should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day in order to see the best results. Invisalign offers much faster results than traditional metal braces and has the advantage that it minimally impacts your daily life.
However, if you don't use the aligner trays for the recommended 22 hours a day, it may take longer for you to achieve the desired results. Retainers also strengthen the underlying jaw bone and supporting ligaments. Not only do teeth change position when braces or transparent aligners are used, but they also change bone and connective tissue. Many orthodontists will advise that Invisalign treatment can last between 6 and 12 months or longer, depending on your case. Like Invisalign aligners, retainers are comfortable, strong, and discreetly looking.
To ensure that you get the best results from your Invisalign treatment, make sure you wear your aligners and retainers for 20 to 22 hours a day.